The biggest problem with airbrushes is cleaning them (unless you drop them, of course!). For years I used cocktail sticks, slightly shaved, and ear-buds, plus kitchen tissue. However, a wonderful, and cheap, investment is that of a set of brushes. I ended up with two sets, which actually makes sense, as they’re both slightly different. However, at just around £4 a set, I would recommend buying some (one of my sets came as part of a joblot of bits). The reason they’re so good is that you can just slide and twist them up various passages, to clean out all the gunk that develops (especially after using acrylics). As the most airbrush problems are dirt related, and the brushes make cleaning a doddle, they are a most worthwhile investment.
Speaking of airbrushes, my old Iwata HP-C has developed a fault, and I can’t see the cause. Think it’s time for it to be sent off for servicing. In the meantime I’m using another Japanese airbrush, my Rich (not Richpen) airbrush. It’s as nice as the Iwata, but, a lot lighter. Perfect!
For acrylics of the brush-paint variety, I find that suction feed airbrushes are better. Easier to clean, and when using them, that’s important, as they clog very easily. I’ve tried using external mix airbrushes, but sans success, even though theoretically they should be better for these types of acyrlics.
